What does running a hunt kennels involve? We go behind the scenes to find out…

West Percy Hunt H&H Feature "Day In The Life" 21/12/15
Giles Bennett - Huntsman with his Own Horse RAMBO ROB given to him by Mr Richardson an old master of the Holderness Hunt
Copyrighted Grossick Racing Photography
Contact John Grossick 07710461723

Always wondered what running a hunt kennels involves? Tessa Waugh spends the day with West Percy huntsman Giles Bennett to get a taste of his hard graft

For most people who hunt, contact with hounds is limited to hunting days, puppy shows, a rare visit to the kennels and maybe some puppy walking. The feeding, washing down and exercise that goes on in the kennels every day, all year round, is invisible to the majority.

Bigger hunts have a number of staff to carry out these jobs but nowadays smaller packs often rely on just one person. The West Percy in North Northumberland is one such example.

Giles Bennett is in his first season as huntsman of the West Percy (and his first season as a huntsman), having moved up country from the Holderness, and he has 25 couple, mostly bitches, in his care.

What does Giles’ day entail?

Timetable: non-hunting day

6.30am — remove muck and wash down yards, check drains

7am — remove wet straw from lodges and fluff up beds

7.30am — (later in mid-winter due to lack of light) walk hounds out

8.30am — return to kennels and feed, supervise hounds in groups while they eat and wash down feed yard afterwards